I love maps. There something about being able to look over an entire world, to really see the intricate details, that are just so fascinating to me. One of my favorite things to make are recreations of maps using our laser cutter and some epoxy resin. My favorite subjects are always from the shows and games that I have spent so much time with.

While each map is very different in its own way, the construction is quite similar.

In this Instructable we will go over how I make build my maps. I will not be explaining the process to make files, more the just process of how to construct the maps once they are printed.

Shown here are three different videos of how we made these maps. The Map of Middle Earth and The Witcher videos are traditional videos. The video of Tamriel from the Elder Scrolls goes into more detail about how I make my files.

Middle Earth Video

The Elder Scrolls - Tamriel Video

The Witcher Video

Supplies

Below are Amazon Affiliate Links to tools used in this build. Using these links don't cost you any extra, they just help us feed the cats and leave the lights on:

Used to make the files

iPad Pro - https://amzn.to/2VkfhQo
Apple Pencil- https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh
Ipad app used to draw out my files: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/autodesk-sketchbook...
Glowforge - https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh
- We used a Glowforge to make our map. If anybody is interested in purchasing a Glowforge you can use our referral code to get: $500 off a pro, $250 off a plus, or $100 off a basic. We'll get credit too! Use the link below. We love our Glowforge. https://glowforge.us/r/DSKCNJZL

Used to make the Map itself

MDF Back Panel, 11x14 - https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh
Cherry plywood and Walnut veneers - https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh
Acrylic Sheet - https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh
Artisan Pigments - Mica Powder Ultimate 25 Color Set - https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh
Pinata Color - Alcohol Ink - https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh
Epoxy Resin from amazon - https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh
Looking for really good resin? Check out Alumilite.com and use code GEEKS10 for 10% OFF your purchase! Not only do they have resins but they also have a wide range of mold making materials and pigments!
Insta-Cure Gap Filling 2oz Bob Smith Ind. - https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh
E6000 Glue - https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh
UV Curing Epoxy Resin Hard - https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh
UV Lamp - https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh
Gloves
Q-tips
Sewing Clips - https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh
Fine Tip Paint Markers - https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh
Hot Glue - https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh
Hot Glue Gun - https://amzn.to/3a7UVyh

Step 1: Laser Cut the Pieces

There are 4 separate layers to all of the maps I make

Back 1/8th inch thick MDF Panel
Main Land Masses Panel with resin safe border made from 1/8th inch thick Plywood
Acrylic Panel made on 1/8th inch thick Clear Cast Acrylic
Veneer Border pieces made on 1/32nd inch thick adhesive-backed veneer.

Start by cutting out the pieces using the appropriate settings on your laser cutter. I use Glowforge Proofgrade settings for my materials as they are the machine presets values. Make sure to figure out what settings would work best for your own machine.

Shown is an image of how I set up my files for laser cutting.

Step 2: Assemble and Prep for Resin

Start by gluing the panel with the Land Masses to the MDF board with E6000 Craft Glue. (photo 1)
Using sewing clips, hold down the two layers to ensure maximum contact and to maintain alignment.(photo 2)
Use CA Glue to seal off any areas around the border that the resin will come in contact with. (photo 2)
- This will ensure you will not have leaks when you pour the resin in the "ocean areas"
Paint the board engraves based on what every preference you have. (photo 3)
- I personally like to paint all the engraves on the Land Masses panel black before removing the masking tape. (photo 4)
- After removing the masking tape, use Paint Pens to paint in all the trees (photo 5)

Step 3: Pour the Epoxy Resin

Put on Gloves! Resin gets messy fast! Work in a clean space and prepare something to use as a dust shield.

Using your choices of 2 part 1:1 Epoxy Resin, pour out two equal parts A and B in two different cups.
- The amount needed will be a best guess. Maps are hard to judge how much resin will be necessary.I try to just eye ball it and have a back up silicone mold available for extra resin.

Add in the pigment colors into Part A. (photo 1)
- I use a mix of all the blue powders from Artisan Pigment Powder's as well as blue alcohol ink to round out the ocean blue color.
Using a Popsicle stick, scrape the resins from the first cup into a new combined cup and mix thoroughly ensuring that the resin is fully mixed.
Pour mixed resin slowly into the ocean void and with a tool or stick of your choice (I used a tool meant for carving clay) push the resin into every crevasse it needs to be in. (photo 2)
- I have also been using 14gauge 10 ml Syringes to getting into the rivers easier. It causes less mess over time.(photo 3)
Using a Q-TIP, Clean up any resin that may have dripped on the land masses layer.
Use a heat gun to pop all bubbles. Check back often for the first 15 minutes and apply heat when necessary.
- DO NOT OVERUSE HEAT, you can overheat the resin and cause extra bubbles.
Add swirls to the water and cover for 8 hours to make sure no hair or dust gets in the resin. (photo 4)
- If you notice hairs with in the first 2-3 hours of curing, you still have the ability to remove them. Make sure you do with tweezers and hit the area you touched with a heat gun to level the resin back out.

Step 4: Prepare the Acrylic Layer

Before removing the masking tape from the acrylic panel, paint in all the engraves with white acrylic paint. (photo 1)
When the paint is dry, remove the masking tape and clean the acrylic with a glass cleaner to remove fingerprints and streaks. (photo 2)

Step 5: Attach the Acrylic Panel

Using UV Resin and sewing clips, let's attach the sections.

Put a very small bead of UV resin around the edge of the landmass layer. (photo 1)
Place the cleaned acrylic panel down onto the resin and use clips to hold everything in place. (photo 2)
Using a UV Lamp, cure the resin and the two pieces will be attached. (photo 3)
Remove the clips

Step 6: Prepare the Veneer Layer

Wipe clean the acrylic panel again to ensure there is no dust.
Place your Veneer pieces down by removing the sticker back and pressing in place (photo 1)